Package Overview
Shimba Hills Safari from Diani Beach
The Shimba Hills Safari from Diani Beach is a full-day tour to Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya’s only coastal rainforest and the sole home of the rare sable antelope. The tour includes a game drive, a ranger-guided walk to Sheldrick Falls, and round-trip transport from your Diani Beach hotel. Most tours run 6–9 hours door to door.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Diani Beach | 30–35 km |
| Drive time | 45–60 minutes |
| Reserve size | 192 sq km |
| Tour duration | Full day (approx. 8–9 hours) or half day |
| Park entry fee | Approx. $20–25 per adult (non-resident), payable via KWS |
| Best time to visit | Early morning for wildlife; dry season (June–October, December–February) for easier trail conditions |
| Signature wildlife | Sable antelope, forest elephants, black-and-white colobus |
| Key landmark | Sheldrick Falls (21m waterfall) |
Why Book This Safari
Shimba Hills National Reserve protects the last wild population of Roosevelt’s sable antelope in Kenya, you will not find this species in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo. The reserve also holds one of the country’s highest elephant densities relative to its size, along with the bulk of Kenya’s black-and-white colobus monkey population, translocated Maasai giraffe, and plains zebra.
Because the terrain is dense forest rather than open savannah, game viewing works differently than on a typical Kenyan safari. Animals are spotted at closer range but less frequently, since much of the wildlife stays under tree cover. This is a trade-off worth knowing before you book: if you want guaranteed high-volume sightings, a savannah park like Tsavo East is a better fit; if you want a rainforest experience with rare species, Shimba Hills is unmatched on the Kenyan coast.
Tours are typically run as private safaris, you travel with your own driver-guide in your own vehicle, not grouped with other travelers, and you control the pace of your game drive.
Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00–7:00 AM | Pickup from your Diani Beach hotel |
| 7:00–8:00 AM | Scenic drive to Shimba Hills National Reserve (45–60 minutes) |
| 8:00 AM | Arrive at the park gate, briefing with driver-guide |
| 8:15–10:30 AM | Morning game drive — sable antelope, elephants, giraffe, buffalo, and forest wildlife |
| 10:30–11:15 AM | Ranger-guided nature walk to Sheldrick Falls |
| 11:15 AM–1:00 PM | Continued game viewing and scenic viewpoints |
| 1:00–2:00 PM | Lunch at Shimba Hills Green Lodge or similar |
| 2:00–3:30 PM | Optional stop at Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary |
| 3:30–4:30 PM | Return drive to Diani Beach |
Half-day itineraries follow the same structure but skip lunch and the elephant sanctuary stop, returning by early afternoon.
Interactive Map: Diani to Shimba Hills
What You’ll See
| Category | Species/Features |
|---|---|
| Signature species | Sable antelope (Kenya’s only viewing location) |
| Large mammals | Elephants, buffalo, Maasai giraffe, plains zebra, waterbuck |
| Primates | Black-and-white colobus, Sykes monkey, vervet monkey |
| Smaller wildlife | Bushbuck, duiker, civet cat, genet, occasional leopard or serval |
| Birdlife | Over 100 recorded species, including hornbills and sunbirds |
| Landscape | Coastal rainforest, rolling hills, Sheldrick Falls, ocean viewpoints |
Pricing
Prices for a Shimba Hills day trip from Diani vary based on group size, vehicle type, and whether the tour is private or shared. Based on current market rates from Diani-based operators, typical pricing looks like this:
| Tour Type | Group Size | Average Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared/small-group tour | Up to 6 travelers | $120–160 |
| Private tour (safari van) | 2–4 travelers | $150–200 |
| Private tour (4×4 Land Cruiser) | 2–4 travelers | $180–250 |
Lunch at Shimba Hills Green Lodge, where offered as an add-on rather than included, typically costs an additional $15–20 per person. Contact Steve and Richard Safaris directly for a fixed quote based on your group size and preferred vehicle.
Book Your Shimba Hills Safari
Steve and Richard Safaris runs private, guided day trips from Diani Beach to Shimba Hills National Reserve, including the Sheldrick Falls walk and optional stops at Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. Contact us for a fixed quote based on your group size, vehicle preference, and travel dates.
- Transport by safari van or 4×4 Land Cruiser
- Professional driver-guide
- Park entry fees
- Mineral water during the safari
- All applicable government levies
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Lunch (unless specified in your package)
- Items of a personal nature
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Shimba Hills from Diani Beach?
About 30–35 km, roughly a 45–60 minute drive by road.
Is this a private or group tour?
Steve and Richard Safaris runs this as a private tour — you travel with your own driver-guide, not grouped with strangers.
Can I see the sable antelope?
Sightings are likely but not guaranteed, since the antelope live in dense forest terrain. Shimba Hills remains the only place in Kenya where this species exists in the wild.
How difficult is the walk to Sheldrick Falls?
It’s a moderate walk of about 30–45 minutes round trip, guided by a park ranger. Comfortable closed shoes are recommended.
Is this suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, though the hike to Sheldrick Falls involves some uneven terrain, so it’s best suited to travelers in reasonably good physical condition.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, a camera, and cash for tips or optional lunch.